Trending News Today: President Pushes for Support of AHCA Among Legislators

Biogen scored another win for its intellectual property regarding the bestselling multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera, but problems with growth persist. According to The Wall Street Journal, the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board upheld a key piece of intellectual property on Tecfidera, following a challenge of the drug’s validity from a hedge fund. Even as most biotech stocks sold off sharply, Biogen shares increased on Tuesday.

The FDA approved the first Parkinson’s disease drug in decades as an add-on treatment for patients who are currently on levodopa/carbidopa and are experiencing “off” episodes, meaning the medications are not working well, causing an increase in Parkinson’s symptoms. Safinamide (Xadago) was tested in two 6-month studies that included approximately 1200 patients taking a standard treatment of levodopa, The Washington Post reported.

GOP leaders are still lacking in votes to pass the Affordable Care Act repeal, and President Donald Trump warns House GOP members to support the health care bill or risk losing votes. According to The New York Times, President Trump threatened lawmakers within his party with political payback if they failed to stand behind him. Tensions are high as Trump feels an increasing urgency to secure a major legislative victory during the early months of his presidency.